Texas Bills | MyRepTracker

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 76: Relating to prohibiting certain criteria in a local governmental agency contractor selection process.

HB 76 prohibits local government agencies in Texas from considering non-relevant factors when selecting contractors for goods or services. Specifically, it bans agencies from using criteria unrelated to cost, quality, reliability, or legal compliance - such as environmental, social, or governance preferences - during competitive procurement processes. The bill requires agencies to publicly list all written selection criteria in bid documents and solicitation materials. If violations occur, the Attorney General can order removal of prohibited criteria, termination of contracts, or void contracts that aren’t executed within 10 days of notice. This directly affects all local governmental agencies that use competitive contracting processes for purchasing goods or services.

Topics ✗ Environment

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 138: Relating to the provision of the reason for rejecting a voter registration application.

HB 138 requires election registrars to provide specific written or oral reasons when rejecting a voter registration application. It mandates that registrars identify exactly which part of the application caused the rejection (e.g., incomplete, improperly filled, or ineligible information) rather than giving vague explanations. This directly affects voters whose applications are denied and election officials responsible for processing registrations. The bill amends Texas Election Code Section 13.073 to implement this transparency requirement, taking effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 168: Relating to the issuance of certificates of obligation by certain local governments.

HB 168 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions governing debt certificates issued by municipalities, counties, and hospital districts. It updates definitions to clarify that "public work" includes infrastructure like streets, bridges, utilities, public safety facilities, and historic structures for demolition (excluding sports facilities leased to for-profit entities), and adds demolition of dangerous structures as a valid purpose for certificates. The bill shortens the maximum maturity period for these certificates from 40 to 30 years and specifies they may only be sold for cash under existing restrictions. These changes directly affect local governments seeking to finance public infrastructure projects through debt issuance.

Topics ✓ Transportation

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 163: Relating to liability of judges and magistrates for the improper release on personal bond of defendants accused of committing certain felony offenses.

HB 163 allows victims of violent crimes (or their estates if the victim died) to sue judges or magistrates who improperly released defendants on personal bond for certain violent felony offenses. The bill creates a new legal cause of action if the release violated specific bond rules for violent offenses (defined under Texas law), with damages capped at $10 million. It explicitly removes judicial immunity as a defense in such cases and applies only to bond releases occurring after the bill's effective date. This policy change directly affects victims of violent crimes and judicial officers who grant bond in violation of the specified legal standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 15, 2025

SB 29: Relating to a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services authorizing a pharmacist to dispense ivermectin.

This bill requires Texas' commissioner of state health services to issue a statewide order allowing licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription. It mandates standardized protocols for pharmacists, requires patient instructions on proper use, and protects pharmacists from criminal, civil, or disciplinary liability when following the order. Pharmacists must also submit annual reports to the state on dispensing volumes. The bill directly affects Texas pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin without a prescription.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 103: Relating to a comprehensive review of taxable goods and services.

HB 103 requires the Texas comptroller of public accounts to conduct a comprehensive review of the state's sales and use tax structure by December 1, 2026. The review will list all currently taxed and exempt goods/services, compare Texas's tax base to other states, and identify items commonly taxed elsewhere or in growing Texas industries. It will also analyze the economic impact of expanding the tax base, including potential revenue gains, effects on small businesses, and impacts on income groups and economic competitiveness. The bill is procedural, mandating a review and report but not changing tax law.

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 129: Relating to the distribution of hookahs; creating a criminal offense.

HB 129 prohibits retailers, including bars, restaurants, and cafes that provide hookahs for on-site use, from selling or providing hookahs to individuals under 21 years old, with violations classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The bill also requires retailers to verify the age of all customers under 30 using valid identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID, before selling or providing a hookah. Exceptions include when a customer is 18 or older and presents a valid military ID card. This law directly affects businesses selling hookahs and aims to restrict access for younger individuals through mandatory age verification.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 128: Relating to workplace heat illness prevention, including the creation of a heat illness prevention advisory board; imposing administrative penalties.

HB 128, the Antelmo Ramirez Heat Safety Act, requires all Texas employers to implement heat illness prevention measures for workers. It creates a heat illness prevention advisory board (with representatives from safety experts, construction workers, employers, nonprofits, and unions) to recommend standards to the Texas Workforce Commission. These standards must align with federal NIOSH guidelines for heat safety and cover both indoor and outdoor workplaces. Employers who fail to comply face administrative penalties, though specific requirements like hydration or rest breaks aren't detailed in the provided text. The bill applies broadly to all employers statewide, regardless of size or industry.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 127: Relating to a prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion or LGBTQ indoctrination by state agencies.

HB 127 prohibits Texas state agencies from promoting "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) or LGBTQ-related content in their operations. The bill requires agencies to treat people equally regardless of race, color, or national origin, while mandating that all actions comply with the "biological reality" that sex is strictly male or female. Key mechanisms include voiding any agency policies, curricula, or contracts violating these rules, and banning DEI initiatives as "null and void ab initio." The bill directly affects all Texas state agencies, including education, health, and government departments, by restricting how they develop policies or communicate with the public. It takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, or 91 days after the session ends.

Topics ✗ Healthcare

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 116: Relating to the repeal of the Moving Image Incentive Program.

HB 116 repeals Texas' Moving Image Incentive Program, which previously provided financial incentives to film and television productions. The bill directs the comptroller to transfer any remaining program funds to the Texas Education Agency to reduce the state's compression percentage for school funding. This change directly affects the film and entertainment industry, which no longer receives these state incentives. The policy shift redirects resources toward public education funding without altering existing school finance formulas.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 15, 2025

SB 30: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and hemp beverages and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and permits; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing civil penalties; imposing taxes.

SB 30 establishes a regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumable products (like food and drink) and hemp beverages in Texas. Businesses must obtain licenses, pay fees, undergo mandatory product testing by approved labs, and comply with safety standards. The bill creates penalties for violations, including criminal charges and civil fines, and imposes taxes on regulated products. These rules will take effect on January 1, 2027, and are administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 154: Relating to state agency terminology used in describing the landlocked territory on the western bank of the Jordan River.

HB 154 requires Texas state agencies to use the terms "Judea and Samaria" (or "Judea" for land south of Jerusalem, "Samaria" for land north of Jerusalem) instead of "West Bank" in all official communications. It directly affects all Texas state agencies, including departments and commissions, by mandating this terminology change in rules, press releases, and other official statements. The bill prohibits using "West Bank" except when an agency head determines it serves Texas's interests and provides a written explanation to the legislature or governor within 30 days. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology, not policy or land status.